DESCRIPTION:
Based on the two-seat Su-27UB trainer and originally known as the Su-27PU, the
Sukhoi Su-30 is a long-range precision-attack fighter similar to the F-15E
Eagle series. Although retaining the air-to-air interceptor capabilities of the Su-27, the early Su-30
and Su-30K models are optimized for long-endurance missions of 10 hours or so. These aircraft are also
fitted with a radiolocation system allowing the positions of up to 10 to ve transmitted to four other
aircraft simultaneously. This feature makes the Su-30 suitable as a tactical fighter leader designating
targets to be attacked by other aircraft. These variants were later joined by the multi-role Su-30M that
adds precision ground attack capability while carrying a range of advanced guided bombs and missiles.

Sukhoi has also actively marketed an export model, the Su-30MK, that has been purchased in large numbers by
India (Su-30MKI) and China (Su-30MKK, Su-30MK2). India's aircraft are generally more capable than any
other variant of the Su-30 and include canards as well as vectored thrust nozzles for improved
maneuverability, a better radar, and more advanced avionics from Indian and Western sources. Current plans
call for the Indian Air Force to acquire 280 units of Su-30MKI, and 140 of these are to be license built at
Hindustan Aeronotics Limited within India.

Indonesia has also shown interest in the Su-30MK, but acquisition plans have been significantly curtailed
due to the nation's political and economic turmoil. Other export sales have come from Asian and Middle
Eastern countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Algeria while Syria has also expressed interest. Perhaps the
most controversial customer is Venezuela that ordered the advanced fighter to spite the US over a lack of
support for the Venezuelan F-16 fleet.

In Russian service, the Su-30 has supplemented and replaced many older
MiG-31 and Su-27 intereceptors and remains the most advanced fighter in the Russian
Air Force. Several upgrades to the existing fleet are planned to maintain the aircraft's capabilities
against competing combat planes until a next-generation fighter becomes available by 2020.

Conflicting descriptions exist, but the most likely appears to be a single-seat Su-30K model for Indonesia
with several features of the Su-30MK; cancelled

Su-30KN

Upgrade available for the Su-30 and Su-30K

Su-30M

Upgraded two-seat multi-role variant of the Su-30 with ground attack capability and able to carry a wide
range of air-to-ground weapons

Su-30MK

Export version of the Su-30M

Su-30M2

Upgraded version of the Su-30MK equipped with canards and thrust vectoring nozzles

Su-30MKA

Su-30M export model for Algeria

Su-30MKK 'Flanker-G'

Su-30M export model for the Chinese Air Force with improved avionics; approximately 150 built in Russia or
license built in China with another 170 planned

Su-30MK2

Model similar to the Su-30MKK but optimized for maritime patrol and armed with anti-ship missiles; 24 built
for the Chinese Navy and 11 for Indonesia

Su-30MK2V

Export variant of the Su-30M for Vietnam based on the Su-30MK2; 4 built

Su-30MK3

Chinese model similar to the Su-30MK2 but equipped with the Zhuk MSE radar for use with the Kh-59MK
anti-ship missile; may have been cancelled

Su-30MKI 'Flanker-H'

Su-30M export model for India with improved avionics and enhanced multi-role capabilities, all to be
upgraded with canards and thrust vectoring nozzles; 230 to be built in Russia or license built in India

Su-30MKM

Su-30M export model for Malaysia with the same airframe, thrust vectoring, and canards as the Su-30MKI but
different avionics; 18 ordered